Rising Costs Force Reduction In Fighter Jet Purchase

Switzerland has revised its planned purchase of Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets from 36 to 30, citing rising costs that exceed the approved spending ceiling. The government has requested an additional credit of CHF 394 million to support the revised order. The F-35A was selected to replace the country’s aging fleet of F/A-18 Hornets and Northrop F-5 Tigers. The reduction comes as the delivery of Patriot air defense systems is delayed by 4-5 years, prompting consideration of a second ground-based air defense system, with preference given to a European-made system. This development was first reported by AeroTime.